It also found 62 per cent of parents in the capital think today’s stories are “too sanitised” for children compared to the fairytales of old featuring wolves, witches and giants.

The survey has named Snow White as London parents’ favourite fairytale and the Evil Queen in Snow White as the scariest character.

Carey Ann Dodah, head of curriculum at Explore Learning, said: “No matter how old you are, the UK loves a good fairytale and partly due to the classics being made into blockbuster movies, their popularity has endured through the generations.

“However, it is worrying to see that parents are not taking quality time out of their day to read a story to their children. Reading to your child instils a love of books from a young age and is a fantastic way to bond with your child before bedtime.”

Top 10 list of London’s favourite fairytales:

Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs

Cinderella

Jack & the Beanstalk

Sleeping Beauty and Beauty and the Beast

Hansel and Gretal

Rapunzel

Little Red Riding Hood

The Little Mermaid

Billy Goats Gruff

Tom Thumb

How often do you read bedtime stories to your children? What’s your favourite book to read to them? Which fairytale or story do you remember most fondly from your childhood? Add your comments below.

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